Madrion

The following day I went back to see what I could salvage from my house. Half of the house was completely burned out, but the bedroom was still intact. I was able to salvage most of my clothing and a few knickknacks, but the rest was ruined by the fire or the smoke. Ash said I could stay with her, but if someone was trying to kill me, staying with Ash would only put her in danger. We argued about it, but I finally convinced her of the wisdom of my not staying with her.

I spent a couple of nights at the inn in Pernon, but I didn't feel safe there. I decided to take rooms in Pandemonium instead. More people around meant that the likely hood of someone trying to burn me out of my house was minimal. Ash wasn't happy about it, but I was insistent. I didn't want her death on my ledger. Even though we were no longer dating, I still cared about her.

I went over to the prison to find out if the Archons had found out anything from the sorc who tried to kill me. He wasn't talking so they had nothing, or least that was what they told me. I'm not sure I believe them. However there wasn't anything I could do about it. My next step was to find out who this Munin guy is. I'd never heard of him before. I figured that the Panda teleport operator would be my best bet. He sees everyone who comes into or out of Pandemonium. However, when I asked him, he told me to keep my mouth shut and never mention that name to him again.

What the hell is going on? Why such a violent reaction to a name. Who is this Munin then? Shrugging I turned to go. I guess I could try the great library. The scholars there are quite old and may know who this Munin is. Someone tapped me on the shoulder. A Daeva I didn't recognize indicated that I should follow him. He led me off the main thoroughfare to a quite alcove. I had one of my small daggers concealed in my hand. I didn't know what this person wanted, but I wasn't taking any chances.

He stopped and turned to face me. He glanced down at my clenched fists. He smiled faintly, but it didn't touch his eyes. "I'm not here to kill you, just to pass on some information." "Who are you?" I asked. "My name isn't important. What is important is Munin. I heard you asking the teleporter about him. If you want to keep breathing, don't talk about Munin." I gaped at him. "Do you know who he is?" I hissed. "Because if you do, I'd really like to know where to find him. If not, get out of my face. I've had enough of being threatened today!"

He glanced down at the dagger in my hand again. "I'm not here to hurt you, only to warn you," he replied. "Do you know him or not?" I snapped, my impatience getting the better of me. He said, "He's a dissident and has been imprisoned in Ishalgen for many many years. Be careful you don't end up joining him in his prison." With that he strode off and was soon lost in the crowds that were flowing up and down the main thoroughfare.

Great, just great I muttered to myself. I knew Ishalgen well. I'd spend quite a bit of time there some 16 years ago, when my life started over. But I'd never heard of anyone called Munin there. Time to head over to the great library. They had maps there which I could look over to find those places I hadn't been to before. It was cool and quiet in the library. I found the maps and took them over to a table in the back where I spread them out and spent some time looking over them.

After a few minutes of looking I found the old cemetery and the abandoned prison camp. I was positive that I had never been there before as I had no reason to. No one I knew was buried in that old cemetery. I pulled out a piece of parchment and made some notes, then sat there staring at it for a bit. Was I really considering this? Several people wanted me dead and my best friend wasn't speaking to me anymore. This is crazy I thought. I should just leave well enough alone. I slammed the book shut and got up to return it to the self.

I turned and caught sight of two people standing in the doorway of the map room. They were looking at me intently with arms crossed. It was Herrel and Jaisea. Oh boy I thought, they don't look happy at all. I just stood there waiting for them to make the next move. Jaisea finally came over to me and took the map book. She idly flipped through the pages while watching me from under her lashes. I said nothing only continued to glance from her to Herrel. Jaisea finally dropped the book onto the table. She turned to glare at me then said, "So, which map were you looking at?" I shrugged and glanced at Herrel. He had come into the room and was standing at the end of the table watching me.

"Well!?" Jaisea said a little impatiently, "which map!?" "Ishalgen," I replied. Herrel snorted at that. "Why Ishalgen?" he inquired. I was curious why they were there. I said, "What are you doing here?" Jaisea stamped her foot impatiently. "Oh for God's sake," she exclaimed. "This is stupid. We are looking for Munin. Show him the letter." She waved at Herrel to come closer. He pulled out a letter from his cube and tossed it to me. I picked it up and read it. It was almost a copy of the one I had received. "We went by your house. What happened to your house?" he asked.

"An accident," I said. "Knocked a candle over and set the kitchen on fire." Herrel laughed at that. "You're a terrible liar Madrion. What really happened? I saw the holes in the kitchen walls, so don't try to tell me it was an accident." I shrugged again. "Someone tried to kill me." "Kill you!?" Jaisea was outraged. "Who was it! I'm going to give them a piece of my staff! If it was that Julia I'm going to kill her with my bare hands!" "It wasn't Julia," I said. "It was a sorcerer and one that I don't know. The Archons have him now." I shrugged. "It will be up to them to find out why."

Jaisea was staring at me intently. "There's something different about you." She stepped closer to me and reached up a hand to touch my face. I flinched away from her. "Don't touch me!" I snapped. Tears welled in her eyes. Damn it Madrion, now you've made her cry. I sighed. "I'm sorry Jaisea; I didn't mean to snap at you. I'm just on edge." I took her hand in mine and held it up to my face. Her touch was cool and gentle. She closed her eyes and delved me. I felt her magic slide over my body like a lover's caress. I stood rigid, trying not to feel her. I still loved her and I didn't want to. She is Herrel's wife now and my feelings for her are just wrong.

I gently pulled her hand away and stepped back. She opened her eyes and looked at me. They were deep pools of sadness. I looked away. "You've been hurt again," she said quietly. "You are still hurting right now." She frowned at me as I shook my head. "Don't be an idiot. We are your friends and we care a great deal about you. Where are you staying? No don't tell me! It doesn't matter. You're going to stay with us!" I shook my head. "No Jaise, I'm not. It's too dangerous for me to stay with anyone…" She cut me off with a hand slash. "Nonsense!" she declared. "Clearly you need someone to look after you! You're a mess! So is Herrel. He's been moping about muttering all the time." "I have not," Herrel spluttered. "You have so!" She almost shouted that last. "You men! Always thinking you know what's best! Well! What's best for us is to stick together! Now it's settled. Just get your stuff and…" she trailed off as one of the librarians came in. She was frowning at us so Herrel apologized for us. She left shaking her head and muttering about the daevas now days. I took that moment to scoop up the map book and replace it on the shelf.

I said, "You probably shouldn't go back to your house either. If they found me, they probably know where you live too. I got one of those letters as well, so it's a good bet someone knows about all of us." Herrel nodded. "Where are you staying anyway?" He asked. "I'm staying in the assassin barracks. I'm pretty sure no one is going to come after me there. It'd be the last place they'd look for me. I have this feeling that maybe I won't be so lucky the next time. I always have this creepy feeling that I'm being watched." I shrugged. "I know it's ridiculous, but there it is."

Herrel nodded again. He said, "I know where we can stay where no one will expect us to be." "Oh?" I quirked an eyebrow at him. "Where?" I asked. Herrel sighed. "We can stay at my father's place. We have a house in the Vanahal District. It's very well-guarded and no one will be there anyway." My eyebrow climbed higher. "You have a house in Vanahal? I never knew that. You never told me." Herrel shrugged. "I don't have very good memories of the place. I'd rather just forget about it but…." He sighed again. "Someday," I said, "you are going to have to tell me about your childhood."

We stood there in silence for a minute then Herrel said, "So what were you planning on doing?" I looked at him surprised. "What are you saying Herrel? The last time we talked you were determined to not get involved." He looked up at the ceiling as if for help. He finally said, "All I ever wanted was to have a quiet, unassuming life. When I met Jaisea I thought all my dreams had come true. She means so much to me it sometimes hurts. When I thought she might die, it was as if my life was over. I would have given my soul to save her. I was angry that I wasn't there for her in the worst moments of her life. I hated you for that, that you were there and I wasn't. And I hated myself for that. You are my best friend Madrion and I hated you." Jaisea slipped her arms around Herrel. She laid her head on his shoulder. He continued. "I don't want to put her in danger again, but it seems as though I no longer have a choice! Someone is determined to force us to play their game." He took a deep shuddering breath. "I've never wanted to kill anyone before, but this lepharist woman and now this Munin have made me want to kill. And I'll never forgive them for that. That's not who I am."

I was taken completely by surprise. Herrel never says much and he keeps a lot of things to himself. I think this is the most I've heard him talk in a long time. And he never tells anyone what he's feeling. His face was a reflection of the pain inside him. Now I understood why he didn't want me around anymore. I took a deep breath and said, "Herrel, you won't have to kill anyone." He looked at me surprised. "It's my job to kill people. I'm an assassin and that's what we do." Even though I had never gone after anyone to kill I said to myself. I was an oddball in that regard.

It suddenly occurred to me that I wasn't ready for this. I'd spent so much time alone, that I have forgotten what it means to be an assassin. Twice, I had almost lost my life to people who shouldn't have been able to kill me. I needed to hone my skills and really immerse myself in the assassin way. It would mean the death of who I am, but if that is what it takes to keep Jaisea and Herrel safe then that is what I would do. My face grew hard with my decision. I said, "Take Jaisea and stay at Vanahal. I'm going to stay where I'm at for the time being. I need to be with my people for a while. I need to be an assassin again, and I can't do that living in fear of my life." Herrel wanted to protest; I could see it in his face, but then he nodded. "I'll keep in touch." I turned to leave but Jaisea caught my hand. She pulled me closer so she could hug me. "Don't be a stranger Maddie," she said. "And don't even think of going off without us. I'll never forgive you if you do." She was crying now. Without knowing why I pulled out my small wrist dagger and clasping her hand with mine, pulled the dagger through, cutting both our palms. "I swear on my blood and yours that I won't go without you." I turned then and strode off, sheathing the dagger with our blood mingled on it.

I clenched my fist to staunch the flow of blood. The librarian scowled at me as I left the library. I could feel her eyes burning holes in my back. I went back to the barracks and found a cloth to wrap my hand in then I went to see my preceptor. He had been an assassin for a long time and I knew he could help me. I told him everything and when I was finished he looked at me for a long time. He said, "You must go back to the beginning where it all began. If you truly want to BE an assassin, you must immerse yourself. I have known about your aversion to killing people and it has hurt you in ways you can't even imagine. I'm not saying you should be bloodthirsty, but there are people and daevas that need killing."

He indicated my hand. "You have lost much, but I can help you. It will be a journey of self-discovery for you and you might not like what you find. But a man faces his demons and overcomes them. It will be hard, harder than you think. But if you are willing then we will do this together." "I am," I replied. "Good," he said. "You can start by stripping down. Take that armor off." I gaped at him. He smiled at me. "Back to the beginning remember. Take it off!" So I stripped off my leathers until I was only wearing a under tunic and shorts. He walked around me shaking his head at all the scars. He then tested my strength, flexibility, and reflexes. He was frowning when I was done. "How did you get all those scars," he demanded. So I told him about Jaisea being kidnapped and my attempt to rescue her and almost dying, and about the attack on my house a few days ago. I told him about the cavern that negated Daeva abilities and the artifact. I showed him the letter from Munin.

He frowned at that. "I know of Munin. Bit of a dissident and he was imprisoned for it. Don't let it be known that you are in contact with him, or you may find yourself next to him in a crystal cage of your own. It seems as though you have many enemies, some of which you don't even know of." He frowned some more. Then he snapped, "Who are your friends?" "What…?" I was taken by surprise. "Come, come, you must have friends. The letter indicates so…..well boy, who are they?!" I stuttered, "Herrel and Jaisea Redsgarth, and Ash I guess." I was silent then. "That's all?!" He was incredulous. "Well," I said defensively, "I know a lot of people, but I'm not close to any of them." He asked, "what about girlfriends or boyfriends?" I could feel the heat in my face. "I don't have a girlfriend right now." "Why not?" he snapped. I was getting angry. "Not that it's any of your business, but she died!" I snapped.

He stared at me for a moment then said, "Why are you so angry? An assassin cannot allow his emotions to rule him, he must RULE the emotions. Yours are right on the surface." "I can't…." I started to say, but he cut me off. "I don't want excuses boy. It doesn't matter the why only the how. You must learn control!" I just gaped at him. I was beginning to think I'd made a mistake coming here. My emotions were ready to boil over and I wanted to hit something. He then surprised me by saying, "We'll start tomorrow on your training. Meet me at the arena at 0500 tomorrow. Oh, and Madrion, no weapons or armor. Just wear some comfortable workout clothes." And with that I was dismissed. I walked back to my bed, my thoughts roiling about in my head. I was pretty sure I wasn't going to sleep a wink, but I managed to despite myself.

The following morning I met my preceptor at the arena. It was still dark out and chilly as well. We were the only ones there. I couldn't see him against the wall where he had been waiting for me at first. Only the soft glow of red gave him away when he turned to look directly at me. I shivered in spite of myself. I should have known he was there. I had lost a lot over the past year. He began my training with a fitness workout that left me sweating and exhausted. I felt as though a herd of brax had run over me. I then had to sit though classes on the history of the assassin with other students. The afternoon was spent in the temple meditating. This was to help me find my center again, which was the core of an assassin. All his strength comes from within and one must be calm to find that center.

And so I spent the next month doing the same routine. I managed to meet with Herrel at least once a week. I mentioned to him that he might consider honing his gladiator skills. He just looked at me thoughtfully and nodded. Jaisea was working at the clinic in Pandemonium to keep busy. She was enjoying the stay in the Redsgarth mansion. Herrel said she couldn't believe he used to live there. "The servants just adore her," he remarked to me one evening. "Oh, you mean she hasn't bullied them into doing everything her way?" I quipped. "No, she hasn't. In fact she's been very subdued. It's not like her at all." Herrel sighed. "I can't help but think that I'm losing the woman I married. I'm not sure who we are anymore."

"She loves you Herrel," I said. "You'll never lose her. She's probably just scared like we are." "Maybe," Herrel murmured. Abruptly he said, "You're looking much better now." And I was getting fit. These last few weeks had toned and hardened my body into the weapon it was supposed to be. My flexibility was almost as good as it had ever been. My weapons' training was coming along as well. I felt much more confident now and didn't have the creepy feeling of being spied upon. I said, "I have the next two days off from training. If we are going to find this Munin, now is the time. I think I'm going to be assigned to the temple with some other assassins next week so my time won't be my own for a while."

"Assigned?" Herrel asked puzzled. "I thought you were an independent." I looked at my friend candidly. "I need this Herrel. I was so far adrift that I didn't realize what not being with my own kind had done to me. I feel…..like a part of me that was damaged has begun to heal." I laughed self-consciously. "I know it sounds retarded but….well I…. don't feel so alone anymore."

Herrel and I were sitting outside by the fountain and out of the corner of my eye I caught sight of someone standing very close to the gate wall. He was so still he almost blended in with the wall itself. He was watching us. I said to Herrel, "Don't look around, but someone is watching us. He's over there by the gate wall. Almost blends in." Herrel stretched and rolled his head around. "I can't see him at all," he remarked. "He's there. Damn it, do you know if anyone has been following you or Jaisea around?" Herrel looked startled at the thought. "I don't really know. I haven't been out much and Jaisea goes with Betsy in the morning and Bors picks her up in the evening, so she isn't walking to and from the clinic alone.

"Okay, well maybe it's nothing. But just to be safe, we'll have to glide off the wall down to Pernon. Then we can hop the teleporter to Ishalgen." I laughed at that. "How's your gliding Herrel? And what about Jaisea? How well can she fly?" Herrel said, "You're not serious are you?" "I'm deadly serious. No one must know what we are about. It's dangerous and may cost us our freedom." I glanced around to make sure no one was close enough to hear our conversation. "Munin is imprisoned in a crystal cage in the Ishalgen prison camp. It's mostly abandoned and only the ghosts wander there now."

"How do you know this?" Herrel asks. "I've done some research," I replied. "Plus my preceptor knows Munin. He gave me some leads. So Herrel, can you manage to sneak out of the house tomorrow at around 0400. Wear some nondescript clothing and nothing shiny. We don't want anyone to see us leave, and no one will expect us to jump off the wall." "You're crazy," he said. "Look if you don't want to come, just say so. I can go and find out what the hell is going on." "No, no," Herrel replied. "I'll be there for sure." "Good, then I'll see you in the morning." I stood up then. Time to make my preparations. I waved a jaunty goodbye and returned to the barracks. Whoever was watching us didn't follow me. Maybe he wasn't spying on me after all. No, I was positive he was watching us. But maybe it wasn't me he was after but Herrel or Jaisea. After this, I'd have to spend some time watching my friends as well. It would be interesting to see if they were the targets or some other family.

The following morning I was at the appointed spot. No one was around at all. Even the night creatures were silent. I slipped silently through the shrubbery. Just a little before 0400 I heard Herrel and Jaisea coming. Jaisea was muttering little threats under her breath. Something about getting even if her hair was yanked out. I smiled into the darkness. Jaisea hadn't changed as much as Herrel feared. When they were close I whispered, "Let's go." Jaisea jumped, but she didn't scream. Thank the gods for that.

She hissed, "Don't ever do that again. You scared the life right out of me." I grinned at her, even though she couldn't see me. I blended into the background as though I was a part of it. In so much had my training paid-off. I was part of the darkness, just as it was a part of me. I took her hand and guided her to the wall. I whispered, "You need to climb up here. Then wait for us." I could hear her as she ascended. Then Herrel went. I looked around one last time. I let my senses expand out to the surrounding area, but I couldn't feel anyone close. Good. We were alone and no one would see us leave. I quickly joined my friends at the wall top. Jaisea was looking over the edge. I said, "Now is the time to speak up if you don't think you can do this." She scowled at me. "If you two idiots are going, you'll need me to keep you from splatting on the ground."

I chuckled softly. "Good, then put this on." I handed out a long length of rope. "We'll tie ourselves together so we don't get separated. I'll go first then Herrel, then you Jaisea. You'll have to jump quickly so the rope doesn't yank you off." Jaisea nodded and clutched Herrel's arm for reassurance. "Ready?" I asked. They both nodded. "On the count of three then. One. Two. Three!" I leaped off the wall in a swan dive. The air whipped past my face and blew my hair straight out behind me. This is exhilarating. I felt mild tension on the rope and twisted around to look behind me. Both Herrel and Jaisea were there. Jaisea had her hands clenched to her chest and I'm pretty sure her eyes were closed. I let us fall about 100 yards before I called out for wings. My speed was arrested as my wings caught the air and jerked me up. I felt the pull in my shoulders, but it felt good instead of painful. Herrel grunted and Jaisea gasped, but otherwise that was all. Herrel and Jaisea came level with me and we began the leisurely glide down to the ground.

To be continued…